Service, leadership and innovation: A Marine's transition to Cummins

Riley F. has spent four years at Cummins Inc. as a Project Manager within the Global Solutions and Integrations Logistics team, focusing on Warehouse Functional Excellence. His transition from a 10-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps to the civilian workforce has been marked by careful preparation, mentorship and a shared commitment to purpose-driven work. Today, he leverages the leadership and teamwork skills developed during his military service to lead impactful projects and help shape the future of Cummins.

Riley approached his transition from military service to civilian life with intentionality and preparation. “The success of my transition really comes down to preparation,” he reflects. “Once my family and I made the decision to leave the Marine Corps, I began preparing one year before.” Through proactive planning, he explored various career options and connected with key industry contacts, which ultimately led him to Cummins via the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program. At the time, Riley was stationed in South Korea, but his networking efforts—along with connections made through Skillbridge—landed him an internship, which later turned into a full-time position at Cummins.

Riley quickly found fulfillment in his role at Cummins. “Knowing that our work has a direct and positive impact on our company, our customers and the communities we serve motivates me every day,” he says. Riley is especially proud of his leadership in a community outreach project at Cummins, where he implemented major improvements to the warehouse management and organization system for Exodus Refugee Immigration Inc. in Indianapolis. Over the course of a year, Riley and project sponsor, Roger R., led the project team in assessing the organization’s needs. They secured funding, installed new storage equipment and developed a user-friendly inventory management system, complete with training materials to ensure ongoing efficiency and compliance with state reporting requirements.

"My highest purpose has been serving my family and our country, it can be difficult to find meaningful, purposeful work after time in the military, but Cummins helped fulfill that void.”

Riley's time in the Marine Corps continues to influence his leadership approach, importance of working as a team, staying disciplined and maintaining focus on the mission—all qualities that have translated seamlessly into his civilian career.  “The military teaches you respect, hard work, dedication and resilience,” he reflects. “Those qualities have translated well into the corporate world and have helped me lead and collaborate effectively with my team.” Riley also credits his military service with building his ability to stay calm under pressure, a skill that has proven invaluable in managing complex projects at Cummins.

Riley credits Cummins’ inclusive and supportive culture for making his transition easier. As a member of the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG), he has found a mentor and a community of like-minded colleagues who understand his background. “It’s helpful to be surrounded by people who’ve been through similar experiences," he shares. When Riley first joined, he was paired with a mentor through VERG, who guided him during his first year at the company. “I recommend every veteran, or any new employee, have a mentor,” Riley advises. This mentorship, combined with the supportive network at Cummins, has helped him navigate the complexities of his new civilian career and made the transition from military service to corporate life feel much smoother.

Riley has embraced the many opportunities for growth at Cummins, whether through leadership training or the chance to take on high-impact projects. He’ll soon be furthering his education by pursuing a Master’s in Management at Indiana University, a move that underscores his commitment to continuous learning. “Much of my growth has come from being involved in challenging projects and receiving mentorship from my colleagues,” he says. The knowledge and experience gained through these opportunities have helped him expand his skills and take on even more leadership responsibilities.

Riley’s journey from military service to a successful career at Cummins is a testament to the power of preparation, mentorship and continuous growth. By leveraging the skills and values developed in the Marine Corps and embracing the opportunities at Cummins, Riley has made a meaningful impact in his role. As he continues to grow and contribute to the company’s mission, Riley exemplifies that with the right support, mentorship, and mindset, veterans can lead, excel, and inspire in any field they choose.